Total Complaints
105 filings
VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG · model year
105 NHTSA complaints, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2005VOLKSWAGENTOUAREG carries 105 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injury, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2005 TOUAREG is fuel/propulsion system with 16 filings, followed by electrical system (13) and air bags (7). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 2 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 37 investigation files overlapping the 2005 TOUAREG, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
105 filings
Crashes Reported
0 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 16 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 13 |
| AIR BAGS | 7 |
| TIRES | 6 |
| SEAT BELTS | 6 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 5 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 4 |
| POWER TRAIN | 4 |
| STEERING | 3 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 3 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 3 |
| ENGINE | 3 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS | 2 |
| TIRES:TREAD/BELT | 2 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 2 |
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2004-2007 Touareg vehicles. These gasoline-powered vehicles have a fuel filter flange that may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
SEAT BELTS
CERTAIN PASSENGER CARS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." ALL THREE REAR SEAT POSITIONS AND THE FRONT PASSENGER POSITION ARE EQUIPPED WITH SEAT BELT RETRACTORS THAT HAVE A LOCKING FEATURE WHICH CONVERTS THE RETRACTOR
The contact owns a 2005 Volkswagen Touareg. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over and attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V583000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Mileage: 99,000
Due to a leak in either the sunroof or the windshield water continuously drips down every time it rains onto the floorboard of the driver side of this vehicle, creating a sopping wet floor board that has 2 inches of water, which in turn soaks the whole electrical system for this vehicle. I mean the water continuously drips from the time you purchase this vehicle until forever I guarantee that anybody who has a v8 version of the 2005 Volkswagen Touareg has a sopping wet driver, side floor board! The water never has a chance to dry, especially in colder climates Mine went into limp mode due to this electrical system, failing. VW MECHANICS told me I needed a whole new engine w! When I did my research and I found out that this is very common on this model, and if there are some wires that inevitably get corroded from all the water that ruins the electrical system underneath the driver side floor board, and therefore the wires become corroded and severed which creates a real problem
Due to a leak in either the sunroof or the windshield water continuously drips down every time it rains onto the floorboard of the driver side of this vehicle, creating a sopping wet floor board that has 2 inches of water, which in turn soaks the whole electrical system for this vehicle. I mean the water continuously drips from the time you purchase this vehicle until forever I guarantee that anybody who has a v8 version of the 2005 Volkswagen Touareg has a sopping wet driver, side floor board! The water never has a chance to dry, especially in colder climates Mine went into limp mode due to this electrical system, failing. VW MECHANICS told me I needed a whole new engine w! When I did my research and I found out that this is very common on this model, and if there are some wires that inevitably get corroded from all the water that ruins the electrical system underneath the driver side floor board, and therefore the wires become corroded and severed which creates a real problem
Due to a leak in either the sunroof or the windshield water continuously drips down every time it rains onto the floorboard of the driver side of this vehicle, creating a sopping wet floor board that has 2 inches of water, which in turn soaks the whole electrical system for this vehicle. I mean the water continuously drips from the time you purchase this vehicle until forever I guarantee that anybody who has a v8 version of the 2005 Volkswagen Touareg has a sopping wet driver, side floor board! The water never has a chance to dry, especially in colder climates Mine went into limp mode due to this electrical system, failing. VW MECHANICS told me I needed a whole new engine w! When I did my research and I found out that this is very common on this model, and if there are some wires that inevitably get corroded from all the water that ruins the electrical system underneath the driver side floor board, and therefore the wires become corroded and severed which creates a real problem
The issue explained in Recall Notice 20Ai has reappeared after being 'fixed'. Issue Summary: On certain vehicles, the fuel pump flange may develop fine cracks or fissures, which could result in a fuel leak. Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, could lead to a fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Date of Recall Repair: 02/25/2019 Date of noticed failure: 08/07/2023 It has not been communicated that this part will continue to be a hazard, and I have now discovered that even when noted that this recall action has been completed, my vehicle has gasoline leaking into the passenger compartment via the same avenue as Recall 20Ai notes. This is highly concerning as all impacted VW Touaregs that were 'recalled' may still be at risk of vehicle fire or ignition.
After doing major research with other owners of like year and model I have discovered that i'm not the only one that is experiencing headlight electronics or headlight electrical system within the headlight assembly frying the electrical wires, cracking the brittle wire coating and exposing many of the electrical wires together within the housing unit of the headlight Assembly. This caused many short circuits Headlights Shutting off at random times but most importantly shutting off at night on a dark highway. Depending on the bumps and bruises of the streets would cause the Wires to touch each other and short circuit. Although this is a 17-year-old vehicle but I've never experienced electrical components being degraded this much For like Like age of any vehicle.
Gas leak (see pics). I started noticing a strong gasoline smell and my car keeps running out of gas almost immediately after filling up. This has not been inspected nor confirmed by a dealer. This is my only source of transportation and needs to be fixed ASAP. There is not a VW dealership where I live, the closest being in Mario, IL, or St. Louis, MO.
Gas leak (see pics). I started noticing a strong gasoline smell and my car keeps running out of gas almost immediately after filling up. This has not been inspected nor confirmed by a dealer. This is my only source of transportation and needs to be fixed ASAP. There is not a VW dealership where I live, the closest being in Mario, IL, or St. Louis, MO.
Gas leak (see pics). I started noticing a strong gasoline smell and my car keeps running out of gas almost immediately after filling up. This has not been inspected nor confirmed by a dealer. This is my only source of transportation and needs to be fixed ASAP. There is not a VW dealership where I live, the closest being in Mario, IL, or St. Louis, MO.
My vehicle is leaking gas, I was told there is a recall on my vehicle so I took it into the volkswagen dealership where I was told that the recall only covers the driver side leak but not the passenger side leak which makes absolutely no sense. Because when I drive off of the service lot the problem still exists which means I could be blown up or cause injury of fire. This recall should cover ALL aspects of the fuel leak! Not just one side! Making customers pay for this is disgusting! I am a single mom and don't have an extra $600 to spend on an issue that should have been corrected by the manufacturer.
PASSENGER AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON DASH SHOWS AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN A CRASH. WATER COMES FROM BEHIND DASHBOARD ONTO DRIVERS AND PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD WHEN TURNING WHILE DRIVING LIKELY CAUSE BY CLOGGED AC DRAINS BEHIND WHEEL WELLS. FUEL PUMP PREMATURE FAILURE, AFTER REFUELING. HEADLINER FALLING FROM CEILING ON TO DRIVER AND PASSENGERS WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, WEATHER WAS HOT AND HUMID.
Mileage: 75,000
PASSENGER AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON DASH SHOWS AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN A CRASH. WATER COMES FROM BEHIND DASHBOARD ONTO DRIVERS AND PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD WHEN TURNING WHILE DRIVING LIKELY CAUSE BY CLOGGED AC DRAINS BEHIND WHEEL WELLS. FUEL PUMP PREMATURE FAILURE, AFTER REFUELING. HEADLINER FALLING FROM CEILING ON TO DRIVER AND PASSENGERS WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, WEATHER WAS HOT AND HUMID.
Mileage: 75,000
PASSENGER AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON DASH SHOWS AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN A CRASH. WATER COMES FROM BEHIND DASHBOARD ONTO DRIVERS AND PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD WHEN TURNING WHILE DRIVING LIKELY CAUSE BY CLOGGED AC DRAINS BEHIND WHEEL WELLS. FUEL PUMP PREMATURE FAILURE, AFTER REFUELING. HEADLINER FALLING FROM CEILING ON TO DRIVER AND PASSENGERS WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, WEATHER WAS HOT AND HUMID.
Mileage: 75,000
I TOOK MY SUV TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A FUEL PUMP RECALL, ABOUT 3,000 MILES AFTER MY SUV IS CAUSING PROBLEMS LIKE START BUT TURN OFF WITHIN 40 SECONDS. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND HE SAYS IS THE FUEL PUMP. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP BUT THEY ARE KIND OF UNRESPONSIVE...NO ADVISORS AVAILABLE, NO RETURNED CALLS (VOLKSWAGEN SOUTH COAST SANTA ANA CA).
Mileage: 25
WHEN I GET GAS FOR MY TOUAREG 2005 I'LL SHUT THE SUV OFF POP OPEN THE FUEL BOX DOOR AND PUT THE GAS IN THEN AS I PUT CAP BACK ON SHUT DOOR GET IN THE SUV I TRY TO START THE SUV BUT IT SEEMS AS IF THE CARS EITHER OUT OF GAS OR BATTERY HAS DIED SO AFTER THE FIRST LIKE SAY 4-6 TIMES OF THIS HAPPENING TO ME I TRIED TO LEAVE THE CAR RUNNING AS I PUT THE GAS IN THE SUV IN HOPES OF IT STILL REMAIN ON AND RUNNING BUT SURE ENOUGH THE SUVS BATTERY LIGHT WILL POP ON AND THE CAR WILL LOSE LIFE BUT THE LIGHTS AND STUFF STILL REMAIN ON BUT NO DRIVING HAPPENING SO I'D HAVE TO TURN THE KEY OFF THEN TRY AND START IT UP AGAIN BUT AS I TURN THE KEY I'LL HAVE TO PUMP THE GAS PEDDLE A BUNCH TO CATCH THE FLOW I GUESS
Mileage: 128,000
WHEN I GET GAS FOR MY TOUAREG 2005 I'LL SHUT THE SUV OFF POP OPEN THE FUEL BOX DOOR AND PUT THE GAS IN THEN AS I PUT CAP BACK ON SHUT DOOR GET IN THE SUV I TRY TO START THE SUV BUT IT SEEMS AS IF THE CARS EITHER OUT OF GAS OR BATTERY HAS DIED SO AFTER THE FIRST LIKE SAY 4-6 TIMES OF THIS HAPPENING TO ME I TRIED TO LEAVE THE CAR RUNNING AS I PUT THE GAS IN THE SUV IN HOPES OF IT STILL REMAIN ON AND RUNNING BUT SURE ENOUGH THE SUVS BATTERY LIGHT WILL POP ON AND THE CAR WILL LOSE LIFE BUT THE LIGHTS AND STUFF STILL REMAIN ON BUT NO DRIVING HAPPENING SO I'D HAVE TO TURN THE KEY OFF THEN TRY AND START IT UP AGAIN BUT AS I TURN THE KEY I'LL HAVE TO PUMP THE GAS PEDDLE A BUNCH TO CATCH THE FLOW I GUESS
Mileage: 128,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EACH TIME IT RAINED, WATER ACCUMULATED ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE FLOOR THROUGH THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRES ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE FLOOR WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT LATER CALLED STONE MOUNTAIN VOLKSWAGEN AT (678) 367-4286 (LOCATED AT 3500 STONE MOUNTAIN HWY, SNELLVILLE, GA 30078) AND WAS INFORMED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.
Mileage: 104,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EACH TIME IT RAINED, WATER ACCUMULATED ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE FLOOR THROUGH THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRES ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE FLOOR WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT LATER CALLED STONE MOUNTAIN VOLKSWAGEN AT (678) 367-4286 (LOCATED AT 3500 STONE MOUNTAIN HWY, SNELLVILLE, GA 30078) AND WAS INFORMED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.
Mileage: 104,000
OVERALL LIFE OF CAR HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE MAJORITY OF THE HOSES IN THE ENGINE, THE FUEL LINE, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE RELEASE LEAVOR-3 TIMES, THE HORN ON THE PASSENGER AND DRIVERS SIDE. AND WITH THE RECALL THE GAS FLANGE - CRACKING. THE PRODUCT VW USES IN THIS VEHICLE IS INFERIOR- PLASTIC EXPANDS WHEN HOT AND CONTRACTS WHEN COLD= CRACKING. PLEASE RECALL THIS VEHICLE DUE TO THE POTENTIAL OF THE GAS FLANGE OR WHATEVER ELSE IS RELATED TO THE GAS BEFORE ANYONE IN MY FAMILY OR OTHERS DIE. OR MY CAS GOES UP INTO FLAMES CAUSING SEVERE TRAUMA- ESPECIALLY BECAUSE YOU ALREADY KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM. WE HAVE PAID THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN REPAIR COSTS IN THIS VEHICLE THAT VW OF AMERICA WILL NOT HELP - THE ENTIRE ENTERRIER PLASTIC COATING TO THE VEHICLE HAS MELTED - THE DRIVERS SIDE VISITOR HANGS AS THE SPRING ACTION OR WHAT EVER IT'S CALLED IS BROKEN. WE HAVE OWNED MANY CARS, FORDS, TOYOTA'S, HONDA'S AND SEVERAL VWS. THE TOUAREG AND ALL OF PRIMARY SAFETY FEATURES SHOULD ALWAYS FUNCTION SAFELY-THE GA
Mileage: 139,000
OVERALL LIFE OF CAR HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE MAJORITY OF THE HOSES IN THE ENGINE, THE FUEL LINE, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE RELEASE LEAVOR-3 TIMES, THE HORN ON THE PASSENGER AND DRIVERS SIDE. AND WITH THE RECALL THE GAS FLANGE - CRACKING. THE PRODUCT VW USES IN THIS VEHICLE IS INFERIOR- PLASTIC EXPANDS WHEN HOT AND CONTRACTS WHEN COLD= CRACKING. PLEASE RECALL THIS VEHICLE DUE TO THE POTENTIAL OF THE GAS FLANGE OR WHATEVER ELSE IS RELATED TO THE GAS BEFORE ANYONE IN MY FAMILY OR OTHERS DIE. OR MY CAS GOES UP INTO FLAMES CAUSING SEVERE TRAUMA- ESPECIALLY BECAUSE YOU ALREADY KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM. WE HAVE PAID THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN REPAIR COSTS IN THIS VEHICLE THAT VW OF AMERICA WILL NOT HELP - THE ENTIRE ENTERRIER PLASTIC COATING TO THE VEHICLE HAS MELTED - THE DRIVERS SIDE VISITOR HANGS AS THE SPRING ACTION OR WHAT EVER IT'S CALLED IS BROKEN. WE HAVE OWNED MANY CARS, FORDS, TOYOTA'S, HONDA'S AND SEVERAL VWS. THE TOUAREG AND ALL OF PRIMARY SAFETY FEATURES SHOULD ALWAYS FUNCTION SAFELY-THE GA
Mileage: 139,000
Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking
Inadvertent Door Opening
Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)
Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking
LGES High Voltage Battery Failures
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.